Cost of Living Archives - Page 3 of 4

I am really struggling with household costs already and have seen last week that the price of water bills is going up. I didn’t think we paid for water in Scotland. Can you help?

Cost of Living, Featured in The Daily Record / February 9, 2022 March 21, 2022

Many people are feeling the pinch with rising costs for things like electricity, gas, and other household essentials. You have done the right thing by looking into what options may be available to you. You are not alone in your current situation, and support is on hand to help. Most households in Scotland are provided …

I am really struggling with household costs already and have seen last week that the price of water bills is going up. I didn’t think we paid for water in Scotland. Can you help? Read More »

I have been really struggling to heat my home over the last few months. My energy costs seem to have jumped up, with my direct debit massively increasing and I don’t understand why. Can you help?

Cost of Living, Energy, Featured in The Daily Record / February 2, 2022 March 21, 2022

I’m sorry to hear that you are struggling with energy costs. Many have seen a jump in the cost of their electricity and gas over the last few months for several reasons. The wholesale cost of energy has increased, meaning that many suppliers have had to increase the costs that they then charge to their …

I have been really struggling to heat my home over the last few months. My energy costs seem to have jumped up, with my direct debit massively increasing and I don’t understand why. Can you help? Read More »

I have been having ongoing issues with money and debt since my hours at work were reduced during the pandemic. These have been slowly increasing back to normal but overspending during the Christmas period has set me back again. Can you help?

Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Debt & Money, Featured in The Daily Record / January 5, 2022 March 21, 2022

I’m sorry to hear that the pandemic impacted on your hours at work and your financial situation. Many have found themselves in a similar position, with reduction in hours and loss of employment. Additionally, the festive period can be an expensive time, with January having to be one of the most frugal months of the …

I have been having ongoing issues with money and debt since my hours at work were reduced during the pandemic. These have been slowly increasing back to normal but overspending during the Christmas period has set me back again. Can you help? Read More »

Green Network Energy & Simplicity Energy Cease Trading – What This Means for Consumers

Company Administration / Out of Business, Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Debt, Debt & Money, Energy / January 27, 2021 April 14, 2022

On 27th January 2021, it was announced that energy suppliers Green Network Energy and Simplicity Energy have ceased trading. Ofgem state that Green Network Energy supplies gas and electricity to around 360,000 domestic customers as well as a smaller number of non-domestic customers. Simplicity Energy supplies gas and electricity to around 50,000 domestic customers. What does …

Green Network Energy & Simplicity Energy Cease Trading – What This Means for Consumers Read More »

Ofgem Announcement – Assistance for consumers struggling with energy bills

Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Debt, Debt & Money, Energy, Finance, Ofgem / October 19, 2020 March 21, 2022

On 19th October 2020, Ofgem (the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) announced plans to strengthen protections for energy customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills. From the 15th of December, these proposed new protections will be in place for energy customers. These will come in the form of new licence rules for …

Ofgem Announcement – Assistance for consumers struggling with energy bills Read More »

Changes to Fire Safety and Smoke Alarm Regulations from February 2021: What You Need to Know

Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Fire Safety, Safety, Smoke Alarms / October 16, 2020 March 21, 2022

From February 2021, all homes in Scotland will be subject to a new set of standards for Fire safety and smoke alarms. This has the intention of ensuring that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has the resources to its job effectively, and will ensure that residential properties in Scotland will have the required fire detection equipment …

Changes to Fire Safety and Smoke Alarm Regulations from February 2021: What You Need to Know Read More »

The Dread of Debt: Regaining Control of Your Finances

Cost of Living, Debt, Debt & Money, Finance, Housing, Saving Money / January 24, 2020 March 21, 2022

The UK consumer credit lending market demonstrated an increase in the amount of outstanding debt of approximately £9.9 billion over a two-year period between the end of 2017 and December 2019. To put this into context, this is just shy of two billion £5 notes. When you look at the repercussions of personal debt, 350 …

The Dread of Debt: Regaining Control of Your Finances Read More »

Gym Memberships & Not Overdoing It – Physically or Financially

Consumer Protection, Consumer Returns, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Saving Money / January 10, 2020 March 21, 2022

I did it! I finally made it past the induction and first stint on my own at the gym. The apprehension was awful. The walk to my first session was nerve-wracking, but nevertheless I did it! For the last two years, I’ve been trying to decide whether to commit to an annual membership or whether …

Gym Memberships & Not Overdoing It – Physically or Financially Read More »

Boxing for a Bargain – Boxing Day and January Sales: Avoiding ‘Binge Buying’ and Fighting in the Aisles

Christmas / Seasonal, Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Online Shopping, Retail, Saving Money / December 24, 2019 March 21, 2022

In 2018 it was estimated that on Boxing Day alone, UK consumers spent approximately £8.8 million a minute on sales which offered up to 90% off the regular ‘day-to-day’ prices. The enticement of the massive reduction in the regular price of items for consumers can mean that many make purchases that are not entirely necessary. …

Boxing for a Bargain – Boxing Day and January Sales: Avoiding ‘Binge Buying’ and Fighting in the Aisles Read More »

“Waste not want not” – Avoiding Food waste – Food Planning for Christmas Day and Making the Most of Leftovers

Christmas / Seasonal, Consumer Protection, Consumer Returns, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Retail, Saving Money / December 18, 2019 March 21, 2022

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and unfortunately the most wasteful in terms of the amount of food that is bought, cooked and ultimately disposed of. Christmas is a costly time for the majority of consumers, with last year’s average spend on food, drink and festive treats stacking up to a gigantic estimate …

“Waste not want not” – Avoiding Food waste – Food Planning for Christmas Day and Making the Most of Leftovers Read More »

Category: Cost of Living

Cost of Living